-
TETFund funds 158 research projects with ₦4.2bn under 2024 National Research Fund
-
Science and tech projects receive bulk of the grant; humanities and interdisciplinary research also supported
-
FG approves 18 innovation hubs and 15 entrepreneurship centres nationwide to translate research into impact
The Federal Government has approved a total of ₦4,217,679,410.00 for the execution of 158 research projects across universities in Nigeria, as part of the 2024 grant cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF).
This latest round of research funding, sanctioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, follows the recommendation of the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC). According to a statement signed by TETFund’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, the committee had reviewed 6,944 concept notes submitted by researchers across the country and approved 885 full proposals, out of which 158 were selected for funding.
The newly approved research projects cover thematic areas including Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI), Humanities and Social Science (HSS), and Cross-Cutting Interdisciplinary Research. Of the total grant, ₦2,398,808,044.00 was allocated to SETI, ₦1,031,323,235.00 to HSS, and ₦787,548,131.00 to cross-cutting projects.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Some of the approved projects include development of an AI-based military health monitoring system, smart energy-efficient power systems, aerial robotics for precision crop management, and sustainable construction materials for low-income housing.
The universities with the highest number of approved projects and grants include Federal University of Technology, Minna (15 projects worth ₦400,237,021.00), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (13 projects worth ₦359,859,600.00), and Federal University of Technology, Akure (12 projects worth ₦341,619,479.00). Other notable institutions include University of Ilorin, FUT Owerri, University of Calabar, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture.
TETFund said the disbursement of this fund is part of efforts to deepen research capacity in the country and to create sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges. “This investment is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s knowledge economy and positioning our institutions to solve real-world problems,” Oniyangi noted.
In a related development, 18 innovation and entrepreneurship hubs have also been approved by the Federal Government, to be established in tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones. These hubs will house cutting-edge labs for artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, drones, software engineering, and mechatronics, among others.
Furthermore, 15 tertiary institutions – including University of Uyo, Federal University Dutse, and University of Ibadan – have been selected to receive ₦1 billion each under the 2025 intervention fund to strengthen entrepreneurship education. Beneficiary polytechnics and colleges of education are to receive ₦750 million each to develop their innovation centres.
READ ALSO: President Tinubu Rewards D’Tigress with $100K, Flats, National Titles
The Federal Government and TETFund say these initiatives are aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with a clear intention to expand Nigeria’s capacity for applied research, innovation, and homegrown solutions to economic and social problems.
